Planter



June 5, 1951 E. -B DEWEY 2,556,072

PLANTER Filed Sept. 29. 1948 6 Sheets-Sheet l ATTORN ES June 5, 1951 E. B. DEWEY PLANTER Filed Sept. 29, 1948 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 E. B. DEWEY June 5, 1951 PLANTER 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Sept. 29. 1948 June 5, 1951 E; B, DEWEY 2,556,072

PLANTER Filed Sept. 29. 1948 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 MW :ww uaww DO www@ ATTORNEY; M

E. B. DEWEY June 5, 1951 PLANTER s sheets-sheet 5 Filed Sept. 29. 1948 W w Wwf M Jne 5, 1951 E. B. DEWEY Filed Sept. 29. 1948 PLANTER 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 z i I m g l d l 5 W LQJ; f1.9 d y@ ign U if MMM'M Miu ATTORNEYS Patented June 5, 1951 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Claims.

This invention is a novel planting machine adapted to be used for planting crops, particularly through trash mulch or green manure, same being an improvement upon my copending applications Serial No. 521,673, led February 9, 1944, and Serial No. 550,264, filed August 19, 1944, now abandoned.

Agricultural land, amounting to little more than an acre per person throughout the world and two and a half acres in the United States, is shrinking fast as populations rise, and the land eroding away each year is producing less food. It is the land that produces the harvest and not the farmer, and the farmer should use every method to keep his acreage on a sustained productive capacity, giving him a balanced economy. Man with the ax, fire, grazing animals and the plow, has done much to decrease plant cover and breaking of the hydrologic cycle affecting the amount of water that the earth absorbs to replenish its water table. i

The natural principles of land use are divided into three general classes:

I. Suitable for cultivation.

II. Suitable for permanent pasture, range or woodland.

III. Suitable for wildlife or recreation.

The U. S. Soil Conservation Service has done a great deal towards the control of soil erosion by reforestation, controlled grazing, and improved farming methods. These include the conventional crop rotations, fallowing, fertilization, contouring, strip cropping, terracing and stubble mulch farming (Farmers Bulletin #1997 of Soil Conservation of Agriculture Department).

The uncontrolled raindrop is an enemy for when it falls upon the top soil, uncontrolled, the environmental resistance rises so high that it almost cancels out the biotic potential. In other words, if the top soil is prepared to absorb water, the raindrop is necessary and welcome, otherwise it becomes the companion of soil erosion.

The U. S. Soil Conservation Service in proven tests has shown that grass or a mulch covering will successfully stop raindrop erosion. Since row crops, such as corn, cotton and soybeans, etc. increase erosion as much as a thousand times over normal erosion where the ground is protected by grass, it would seem obvious that clean tillage must give way to some sort of cultivation that will leave enough plant coverage or mulch between the rows to hold the soil in place.

The erosion of row crops planted in class I (see ante) soil suitable for cultivation can be stopped and the humus of the soil built up by the planting of a cover crop of a mixture or legumes and grasses suitable to that section of the country; and by the use of special planting machinery, using this cover crop as a living or dead mulch as the moisture and conditions of that section will designate. This, together with the other erosion controls and suitable land use as recommended by the U. S. Soil Conservation Service, would successfully control all erosion in this country.

My invention is a novel planting machine, adapted by the making of certain adjustments to plant row crops, both field and truck, through three different kinds of cover crop or mulch, as follows:

I. Through a stubble or trash mulch.

II. Through a living cover crop and mulch andy the control of its growth.

III. Through a dead cover crop and mulch.

In all these operations, the preparing of the seed bed and planting consists of a single operation and requires no further cultivation except in the control of the living mulch.

I. The operation in planting through a stubble or trash mulch is to open the furrow with the rolling coulter, widen the furrow, drop in the seeds and cover them.

II. The operation in planting through a living cover crop and mulch would be first to mow or cut the growing cover crop, leaving the cuttings on the ground as a mulch, then with a rotary tiller or by other means pulverize the cover crop and mulch in a narrow strip (about six inches wide directly in front of the plantingI mechanism) as a seed bed. The rolling coulter of the planter will cut through any trash remaining and start the furrow, the widening `l-shaped wheel will open the furrow and give a firm bed for the seed which are now dropped and covered. This completes the planting except for yone or two mowings or cuttings of the cover crop between rows while the row crop is growing.

III. The operation in planting through a dead cover crop and mulch would be first to mow or cut the growing cover crop, leaving the cuttings on the ground as a mulch, then with a roto-tiller, or other means, pulverize the cover crop andl mulch in a narrow strip (about six inches wide directly in front of the planting mechanism) as a seed bed. Then with a subsurface tiller, or by other means, out the roots of the cover crop between the pulverized seed beds, thus leaving a non-growing or dead mulch between the row crops. The rolling coulter of the planter will cut through any trash remaining and start the furrow, the widening V-shaped wheel will open the furrow and give a rm bed for the seed which are now dropped and covered. This completes the planting as no further cultivation is necessary.

The object of the present invention is to provde a planter of the type shown in my aforesaid co-pending applications, involving parallel units .each consisting of a circular cutting disc to rst cut through the surface brush and open a furrow in the surface of the ground, the disc being followed by a wedge-shaped wheel following in the cut made by the cutting disc, which wheelA widens and compresses the said cut forming a trench to receive the seed, this wheel acting moreover as a pressure roller.

Other minor objects of the invention will be hereinafter set forth.

I will explain the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate several practical embodiments thereof to enable others familiar with the art to adopt and use the same; and will summarize in the claims, the novelV features of construction, and novel combinations of parts, for which protection is desired.

In said drawings:

VFigure 1 is a top plan view of one form of my novel planter showing the parts carried by a tractor.

Fig. 2 is a side elevation thereof.

Y Fig. 3 is a top plan view of a modified arrangement.

Fig. 4 is a side elevation of the modification shown in Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a top plan View of a further modified arrangement.

k Fig. 6 is a side elevation of the modification shown in Fig. 5.

Fig. '7 is a perspective detail view.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the tractor A is supported by rear drive wheels B, and front steering Wheels C, the tractor having a power takeoff shaft D at its rear end, theconstruction of the tractor per se forming no part of my present invention. 'Y

' In this modification spaced parallel cross struts I and 2 extend from each side of the tractor chassis, said struts supporting the planter frames 3 at oppositersides of thertractor. Adjustable straps permit the frames 3 to be shifted latershaft I2 serving to raise the entire planting unit above the ground surface for convenience when turning the tractor A around at the end of a furrow, or for convenience of transportation. The above described frames 3 and their supporting means are similar to those shown in my afore- Y mentioned applications.

ally of the axis of the'tractor. Frames 3 are supported and drawn or pulled by front yokes 4 pivotally connected to the front end of the frame 3 and to the straps on the forward struts I. Other yokes 5 are pivotally connected to the frames 3 adjacent their centers and also to adjustablestraps carried by the struts 2, the yokes 4 Yand 5 thus acting as parallel links vertically supporting the front portion of the frame 3.

The rear portion of each frame 3 is supported by aY lever 6 pivotally mounted as at 3a upon a rear strut 'Lthe portion of the lever 6 forward of pivot 6a being bifurcated with its outer end substantially overlying the sides of the frame 3 at its rear end. Pivotally connected at the sides of the frame 3 are bolts 3 (Fig. 2) which pass upwardly through eyes in the outer ends of the bifurcations of lever 6 and are secured thereto by means of pivot pins 9, thereby connecting the bifurcations of lever 6 to the opposite sides of the frame 3. Springs iii are provided on bolts 8 interposed between the under sides of the bifurcations of lever 6 and adjustable collars on the bolts 8 to take up any play between the parts while permitting a slight side sway of the frame 3 with respect to the pivot of the lever 5.

The upper end of lever 6 carries a pivoted nut II through which a screw shaft I2 passes, the lower end of shaft I2 having a ball head I3 received in a fixed ball socket I4; and the upper end'of shaft I2 carries a hand crank I5, whereby as shaft I2 is rotated the nut II will move axially thereof and` thereby pivot the lever 6 on pivot 6a. Thus, by manipulating each handle I5, each entire frame 3 may be raised or lowered with respect to the ground surface while the frame 3 is always maintained by yokes i and 5 Y From the under side of each frame 3 at the front end thereof is a yoke IB 'which is pivoted at its upper end to the frame 3, said yoke carrying a circular coulter disc II journaled on an axle I8, the coulter thus having a easter action. In rear of the coulter I1 and in axial alignment therewith is a trench widening and compressing wheel I9, supported in opposed brackets 2D mounted on the under side of the frame 3 and carryingk an axle 2l for the wheel I9, as described in my aforementioned applications. On the VKupper side of each frame 3 is a fertilizer hopper 22 having a valve which discharges fertilizer into a boot 23 disposed immediately in the rear of the coulter disc Il (Fig. 2) and similarly mounted upon the top of frame 3 is a seed hopperV 24 (Fig. 2) having a valve which discharges into a boot 25 disposed immediately in rear of the trench widening and compressing wheel I9. At the rear of the trench Widening and compressing wheel I9 and the boot I5 are a pair of oppositely facing concavo-convex discs 26 and 21 which are carried by inclined frames 28, said discs being toed-in towards the wheel I9 and being adapted to fill in the seeded'trench with a` loose mulch, thereby completing the planting operation. As shown, each inclined frame 28 is depressed by means of a spring 3!! (Fig. 2) disposed around a bolt 3l which is carried by the bolt 8, the sprin'gS being interposed between the upper side of the frame 23 and a nut 32 on bolt 3l, as shown, the adjustment of nut 32 varying the downward pressure of spring 3D on the inclined frame 28. I

The above arrangement of the coulter disc I'I, trench widening and deepening wheel I3, and the concave or convex discs 25-21, together with the fertilizer and seed hoppers and boots is in all respects similar to that disclosed in my aforesaid applications, and therefore needs no further detailed description herein.

` My present invention includes the provision of a rotary tiller in advance of and in axi'aiy alignment with each coulter disc Il' and trench widening wheel` I9. As shown in Figs. l and 2, each rotary tiller 33 is mounted on a horizontal shaft 34 and is power driven from the power takeoff shaft D of the tractor in a manner hereinafter described. A hood 35 is preferably provided over each rotary tiller 33 in order to confine any dust or flying dirt caused by the rapid rotation of the rotary tiller as the machine moves across the ground, the rotary tiller serving in the customary manner to thoroughly dig up the ground and kill all growing plants in its path, thus preparing the seedbed, the planting unit immediately following thereafter.

Shaft 34 is carried in bearings at the outer ends of struts 36 extending from each side of the tractor, the vertical adjustment of the shaft 34y being accomplished in any desired manner'.

` If desired, additional fertilized hoppers 63 may' be provided directly above the rotary tillers 33' with boots 64 discharging in front of the rotarytillers 33 so that as the rotary tillers act they` mix the fertilizer thoroughly in the prepared'` seedbed.,

substantially horizontal, the adjustment Q. CrGW '(5, T13@ S930@ bQWl U1@ 121.11@ IOWS may be mowed by means of mowing attachments which, as shown, comprise spaced parallel mowing units, three being shown, i. e., 38--39-40 which are formed integrally with brackets 38a--39a 49a having their inner ends vertically and adjustably mounted on a cross-beam 4I secured across the front end of tractor A, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the vertical adjustment of the mowers being effected by manipulating` screws 4Ia which extend through lsockets for the upper ends of the brackets 38a--39a-40a respectively of the mowing attachments. The blade of each mowing attachment is reciprocated in its toothed guard to effect the cutting operation by power from the power takeoff shaft D of the tractor. The particular type of mower is well 'known in the art and needs no detailed description herein except to state thatA the driving sprocket for actuating the reciprocatingr blade for each of the mowing attachments 3S-394ll is numbered 42 and carries an eccentric pin engaging a slotted yoke carried by the blade.

Each sprocket 42 is driven by a chain 43 from a sprocket 44 on a shaft 45 carrying at its inner end a bevel gear 46 meshing with a bevel gear 41 on a shaft 48 extending transversely of the tractor, shaft 48 having a -bevel gear 49 meshing with a bevel gear 50 on a shaft 5I extending rearwardly to a point opposite the power takeoff shaft D, shaft 5I carrying a sprocket .52 around which runs a chain 53, which chain also runs around a sprocket 54 on `the power takeoff shaft D. Obviously, any other convenient means for reciprocating the blades of the mowers may be utilized, the means shown in the drawings merely being illustrative.

The shaft 34 of the rotary tillers `33 carries a sprocket 34a opposite a sprocket 34h on Athe shaft 48, and a chain 34e runs around sprockets 34a `and. 34h to rotate shaft 34 at a desired tilling speed.

As shown in Fig. 1, the spacing between the mowing attachments 38-3940 is substantially equal to the width of the rotary tillers 33 so that, as the tractor is moved along the ground the space between the planted rows may be cut or mowed to any desired height. Means may `be provided for shifting the outer `mowing attachments 38 and 48 laterally with respect to the intermediate attachment 39, `for adjustment .of the spacings between the attachments.

In connection with the mowing attachments 38-93-40, I provide subsurface tillers 55 which are V-shaped in the usual manner and are connected at their vertices upon the lower ends oi? uprights 56 (Fig. 2) lwhich are `pivotally mounted as at 5l on pivoted links 58 which are mounted on the cross-beam 4 I, so that when the `upper offset ends 55a of the uprights 5S are pulled inwardly by manipulating pull rod 59 (Fig. 2), the

uprights 56 `will be simultaneously lifted vertically to bring the blades of the subsurface tillers 55 above the ground surface.

In order to `open the ground in advance of the uprights 56 carrying the subsurface tillers 55, re-

volving coulters 6! are provided .mounted on axles 6i carried by `brackets 52 secured to Vthe uprights 5t, the coulters Si! thus cutting through the sod and permitting the uprights to enter the sod.

The modification shown in Figs. l `and 2 may be utilized to perform the following planting operations: g

(I) The operation or" planting through a stubble or trash much, by opening the furrow with the rolling coulter I'I, widening the furrow by wheel I9, and then dropping in the seeds and covering them Vin the trench without utilizing the rotary tillers 33 or mowing attachments 38-39- 40, or subsurface tillers 55.

(II) The :operation of 4planting through a living cover crop and mulch by first mowing or cutting the growing cover crop using mowing attachments 38--39-40, leaving the cuttings on 4the ground as a mulch, also using rotary tillers A33 to pulverize the cover crop and `mulch in a narrow strip (about six inches wide) directly in front of the planting mechanism as a seed bed. The rolling coulter I1 of the planter will out through any `trash remaining and start the furrow, the widening wheel I9 will open the furrow' and give a firm bed for the seed which are dropped from the hoppers 24 and covered `by discs 26h21. This completes the planting except for one or two mowings or cuttings of .the cover crop between planted rows while the row crop is growing.

(III) VThe operation 4of planting through a dead cover (crop and mulch by nrst mowing or cutting the growing cover crop by mowing units 38- 39-40, leaving the cuttings on Athe ground asa mulch, also using rotary tillers 33 .to pulverize the :cover crop and mulch in a `narrow strip (about six inches wide) -directly .in front of the planting mechanism as a seed bed; also `by using subsurface 'tillers "55 to cut the roots of the `cover crop between the pulverized seed beds, thus leave `ing a non-growing or dead mulch `between the row crops. The .rolling coulter I1 of the planter will `cut through any trash remaining and start the furrow, the widening wheel I9 opening the furrowand giving a firm bed for the seed which are dropped and covered. This completes the 'planting as -no further `cultivation is necessary.

Figs. 3, 4 and 7 show the planter drawn by tractor A rather than carried by it.' In this modification, the planter frame consists of parallel side members 65 secured together by cross members E6 to form a `substantially.rectangular frame, the sub-frame `units `3, which `are formed .generally in the same manner as described with reference to Figs. l and 2J being laterally adjustably mounted thereon by means of bolts SI so as to vvary the spacing `between the rows. In this modification, the planter unit sub-frames 3 carried by the frame --66 is substantially identical with that previously described, `each consisting of a Coulter disc I1, a trench widening and deepening wheel I9, the concavo-convex discs 26--21 all being arranged one following the other and operating in the same manner as previously dee scribed. Also, the same fertilizer ,hoppers 2,2 and seed hoppers 24 may be provided as previously described.

In operation. each frame would normally be supported by the coulter disc I'I and wheel I9, the depth of vpenetration of members Il] and I9 being controlled by the adjustment of ground en gaging wheels 68 which have hubs `65) (Fig. 7) 4journaled on sub .axles carried by vertically slidable blocks 69a mounted on guides `SIlb at the sides of the frame members `65, in the manner described in my aforesaid `copending applications. The blocks 69a have threaded bores for the reception of screw shafts I0 which are `rotatably mounted but non-axially movable with respect to the guides 69h. The screw ,shafts ID kcarry bevel gears '10a at their upper ends Vengaged by bevel gears 'II Imounted on the ends of a shaft 'I2 which carries a bevel gear 'I3 intermediate its ends enycaged Iby a bevelgear 'I4 on a shaft 15 `journalcd in suitable bearings on the frame .9d-96.6, said shaft having alhandcranki wherebyas shaft 'I5 is rotatedthe ground wheels 98 will be correspondingly simultaneously raised or lowered, the setting of the Ywheel determining the penetration of the coulter discs I'I and the trench widening Wheel I9 below the ground surface. 4

In this modification (Figs. 3 and .4), the forward ends of the side members 65 vof .the frame carry a cross-beam 'I'I similar to thecross-xbeam `4I shown in Figs. 1 and 2.. Below the cross beam 4I are arranged the rotary tillers 33 similarto those previously described, the same being .carried upon the shaft 34 which is rotated by the power takeoff shaft D..of the tractor A., in the same manner hereinbefore described, so that the rotary tillers 33 rotate at a greater speed than the coulters Il `and have the same function vas those previously described. Also, the cross-beam 'I'I carries by means of brackets Illa (Fig. 4) the three mowing mechanisms 38-39'-`49 which aresirnilar in all respects to those described in connection with Figs. 1 and 2, and which are dis posed between 'the rear wheels B of the tractor A and the rotary tillers 33.

The frame 65-69 is secured to the rear end of the tractor by means of the forward ends of members 65 and inclined links I9 which connect the forward corners of the frame S5-39 ,to the rear axle of the tractor. The forward ends of frame l members 65 conveniently support or carry by straps 653: or the like the journals for the shaft which drives the rotary tillers 93v and the blades of the mowing mechanism 38-39-7-49 from the power take-off shaft D.

As shown, a shaft 99 has its ends journaled in bearings in the straps 65a: and shaft `89 carries abevel gear 8I meshing with a bevel gear 82 on an extension 83 of the power takeoff shaft D; which extension comprises the usual universal joints and telescoping shaft whereby vertical movement between frame IE5- 96 and the tractor may be accommodated. Shaft 89 also carries bevel gears 34-85-86. Bevel gear 94 drives the Vblade of the mowing mechanism 39 through a beveled gear v8'! on a shaft 89 which carries a sprocket 89, chain 99 running around sprocket 89 and a sprocket 9i which operates the blade of mowing mechanism 38. Similarly, bevel gear 85 drives the blade of mowing mechanism 39 through a bevel gear 92 on a shaft 93 carrying a sprocket 94 around which runs a chain 95, which also runs over sprocket 96 of the drive for the blade of mowing mechanism 39. Bevel gear 96 drives the blade of the mowing mechanism 39 through a bevel gear 91 on shaft 98 carrying a sprocket 99 around whichruns a chain |99, which chain also runs around the sprocket I9I which drives the blade of mowing mechanism 40.

lThe shaft 34 of the rotary tillers 33 is provided with a sprocket IIJ2 around which runs a chain |93 also running around a sprocket |94 on a shaft |95 journaled on a strap 65a', shaft 95 also carrying a bevel geari meshing with a bevel gear |91 on the extension shaft 93, above mentioned.

The operation of the unit shown in Figs. 3, 4 and 7 is the same as that previously described in connection with Figs. land 2. If desired, additional fertilizer hoppers 63 may be disposed above the rotary tillers 33 with their spouts lillv discharging in advance of said tillers 33, for the reason previously stated. Also mounted upon the beam 'Il are the subsurface tillers 55 having their coulters 60 Varranged in the same manner as pre- I-viously described, and serving the samepurpose.

o vlinthemodification shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the planterisagain carried by tractor A, as in-Figs. l'and 2; however, the parts are differently ar ranged. In this modification, the planting units 3 are mounted below the rear axle of tractor A and are raised and lowered lwith respect to the ground surface by means of the usual power lift arm L with which the tractor is equipped. As shown, the tractor A is provided with the power lift arm L (Fig. 6) raised or lowered by the operator through suitable conventional controls (not shown). The front end of each frame 3 is connected `by toggle links l59-I5I (Fig. 6) to the tractor A, whilethe rear portion of each frame 3 is'connected by links 'I8 to the power liftarrn L, whereby as the arm is raised or lowered, .the frame 3- will be simultaneously raised or lowered in parallelrelation to the ground surface.

Y As shown, each of the planting units consists of the frame 3 of the same type shown in Figs. 1 to 4, same carrying the Coulter disc I'I, the trench widening and deepening wheel I9, and the concavo-convex mulching discs 23-21, all arranged as previously described. The parallel units are separated by cross bars H0, and each of the units may carry a fertilizer hopper 22, and a seed hopper 24, arranged as previously described. The above arrangement of the planting units 3 is very compact, and by manipulatingthe arm L., the planting units may be simultaneously raised or lowered, or may be forcibly depressed against the ground surface to cause the coulter discs E'I to penetrate the ground surface to a desired depth. l

A cross-beam III is secured to the under side of the tractor frame between the front and rear wheels, said cross-beam III carrying the mowing attachments 38-39-49 adjustably mounted thereon in the same manner described in connection with Figs. 1 to 4. Units 38-39-40 carry driving sprockets 381:-39-49 respectively for reciprocating the respective blades, sprocket 38a: being driven by a chain H2 running over said sprocketgx and over a sprocket H3 carried by shaft H4 having a bevel gear II5 at its rear end engaging a bevel gear IIS on a transverse shaft I il, shaft I I'I being driven by a shaft II 8 through intermeshing bevel gears II9-I29, shaft H9 having a sprocket I2I atits rear end over which runs a chain H22, which chain 22 also runs around a sprocket |23 on the power takeoff shaft D of the tractor.

The drive sprocket 39x for mowing attachment 39 is driven by a chain I25 which runs over a sprocket |25 on a shaft 21 which carries a bevel gear |28 meshing with a bevel gear |20 on shaft II'I. The drive sprocket 49x of moving attach-.- ment lill is driven by chain |29 which runs over a sprocket I39 on a shaft I3I which carries a bevel gear |32 meshing with a bevel gear |33 on the shaft IIl. Thus the blades of yeach of the mowing attachments are driven from the power takeoff shaft D of the tractor.

Supported upon the cross-beam Ii i are the sub-surface tillers 55 similar in all respects to those shown in Figs. 1 to 4, which tillers 55 are preceded by the coulter wheels 60, as in Figs. 1 to 4. Cross-beam HI also supports the rotary tillers 33 which are identical in construction with those shown in Figs. 1 to 4, the same being driven vby a shaft |36 driven` from the power takeoff D by a sprocket M9 opposite a Sprocket IM on shaft III, a chain |42 running around sprockets M9 and` IM. .Preferably auxiliary fertilizer hoppers 63 maybe utilized with the rotary tillers 33 as previously explained in Figs. 1 to 4, the hoppers 63 having boots 6l! discharging directly ahead or in advance of the rotary tillers 33.

The operation of the modification shown in Figs. 5 and 6 is the same as previously described in connection with Figs. 1-4 inclusive.

I do not limit my invention to the exact forms shown in the drawings, for obviously changes may be made therein within the scope of the claims.

I claim:

1. Apparatus for planting crops in a living cover crop without turning the same, comprising a frame adapted to be moved over the living cover crop; means on the frame for mowing parallel closely adjacent strips in the living cover crop; means on the frame for pulverizing the relatively narrow portion of the living crop between said parallel strips; and means on the frame in rear of the pulverizing means for planting seed in the pulverized portion, the living cover crop and the overlying mowed living crop in the strips at opposite sides of the pulverized portion minimizing soil erosion.

2. In apparatus as set forth in claim 1, said planting means including trench opening means, trench widening and compressing means, seed feeding means, and mulching means.

3. In apparatus as set forth in claim l; said pulverizing means comprising a rotary tiller on the frame; and means for rotating the tiller at a higher speed than the speed of the frame moving over the living cover crop.

4. In apparatus as set forth in claim 1, means on the frame for discharging fertilizer in advance of the pulverizing means.

5. Apparatus for planting crops in a living cover crop without turning the same, comprising a frame adapted to be moved over the living cover crop; means on the frame for mowing parallel closely adjacent strips in the living cover crop; means on the frame for pulverizing the relatively narrow portion of the living cover crop between said parallel strips; means on the frame in rear of the pulverizing means for planting seed in the pulverized porti-on; and means on the frame for the sub-surface cutting of the roots of the living cover crop through the width of said parallel strips, thereby providing a dead mulch in the parallel strips at opposite sides of the pulverized portion which with the mowed living cover crop overlying said parallel strips will minimize soil erosion.

6. In apparatus as set forth in claim 5, said planting means including trench opening means, trench widening and compressing means, seed feeding means, and mulching means.

7. In apparatus as set forth in claim 5 said pulverizing means comprising a rotary tiller on the frame; and means for rotating the tiller at a higher speed than the speed of the frame moving over the living cover crop.

8. In apparatus as set forth in claim 5, means on the frame for discharging fertilizer in advance of the pulverizing means.

9. Apparatus for planting crops in a living cover crop without turning the same, comprising a frame adapted to be moved over the living cover crop; means on the frame for pulverizing a relatively narrow strip in the living cover crop; and means on the frame in rear of the pulverizing means for planting seed in the pulverized strip of the living cover crop, said pulverizing means comprising a rotary tiller on the frame; and means for rotating the tiller at a higher speed than the speed of the frame moving over the living cover crop, the living cover crop at opposite sides of the pulverized strip minimizing soil erosion.

10. In apparatus as set forth in claim 9, said planting means including trench opening means, trench widening and compressing means, seed feeding means, and mulching means.

11. In apparatus as set forth in claim 9, means in the frame for discharging fertilizer in advance of the pulverizing means.

12. Apparatus for planting crops in a living cover crop without turning the same, comprising a frame adapted to be moved over the living cover crop; means on the frame for pulverizing a relatively narrov.7 strip in the living cover crop; means on the frame in rear of the pulverizing means for planting seed in the pulverized strip of the living cover crc-p; and means on the frame for the sulc-surface cutting of the roots of the living cover crop at opposite sides of said strip, thereby providing a dead mulch at opposite sides of the pulverized strip to minimize soil erosion.

13. In apparatus as set forth in claim 12, said planting means including trench opening means, trench widening and compressing means, seed feeding means, and mulching means.

14. In apparatus as set forth in claim 12, said pulverizing means comprising a rotary tiller on. the frame; and means for rotating the tiller at a higher speed than the speed of the frame moving over the living cover crop.

15. In apparatus as set forth in claim 12, means in the frame for discharging fertilizer in advance of the pulverizing means.

EDWARD BRADLEY DEWEY.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 49,104 I-Iall Aug. ll, 1865 107,218 Bourne Sept. 13, 1870 219,116 Sackett Sept. 2i, 1879 289,694 Nelson Dec. 4, 1883 298,880 Newton May 20, 1884 376,089 Harter Jan. 10, 1888 633,267 Jensen et al Sept. 19, 1899' 884,814 Gordon et al Apr. 14, 1908 951,522 Brown Mar. 8, 1910 1,016,586 Sulliger Feb. 12, 1912 1,074,217 Shafer Sept. 30, 1913 1,171,010 Von Meyenburg Feb. 8, 1916 1,251,945 Wagner Jan. 1, 1918 1,279,060 Wilder Sept. 17, 1918 1,292,391 Dougherty Jan. 21., 1919 1,314,838 Wagner Sept. 2, 1919 1,328,375 Grifiice Jan. 20, 1920 1,349,858 Sherrod Aug. 17, 1920 1,402,822 Wolff Jan. 10, 1922 1,512,596 Hamshaw Oct. 21, 1924 1,897,355 Altgelt Feb. 14, 1933 1,918,950 Altgelt July 18, 1933 2,355,393 Powers Aug. 8, 1944 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 3,772 Austria Apr. 10, 1901 OTHER REFERENCES U. S. Department of Agriculture Farmers Bulletin No. 1997, June 1948, 

